A centrifuge with a sequence of conical discs that creates a parallel arrangement of centrifugation spaces is called a conical plate centrifuge (also called a disc bowl centrifuge or disc stack separator).
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Using a very strong centrifugal force, the conical plate centrifuge is used to separate two liquid phases or remove solids (usually impurities) from liquids. Under these forces, the less dense fluids travel toward the center and the denser solids or liquids move outward toward the rotating bowl wall. The disc stacks, which are special plates, accelerate the separation process by increasing the surface settling area. Depending on the kind of feed that is present, different stack configurations, designs, and shapes are used for different processes. The concentrated denser solid or liquid is then periodically, or continuously, removed by hand, depending on how the conical plate centrifuge is made. Clearing liquids with little to no suspended solids is a great use for this centrifuge.
Foundational principles
The inclined plate settler principle is the basis for the centrifuge’s operation. To shorten the particle settling distance, a set of parallel plates tilted at an angle of θ relative to the horizontal plane is installed. The purpose of the slanted angle is to prevent settled solids from building up and clogging the channel created between adjacent plates by allowing them to fall by gravity.
accessible designs
Centrifuge with nozzle design
With this kind of centrifuge, solid materials are extracted from liquid feed on plates. The clear liquid is released from the centrifuge by means of a centrifugal pump, which generates pressure. Continuous extraction of the solid occurs through nozzles. The nozzle diameter, radius of the nozzle’s position, number of nozzles per centrifuge, and bowl rotation speed all affect how much concentrate is produced. Concentrate discharge volume, liquid volume fed into the centrifuge, and concentration all affect quality. By modifying the nozzle’s diameter and the initial volume of liquid feed, the concentration of the discharge through the nozzle can be changed.
In order to avoid coarse solid contaminants clogging the nozzles, pre-treatment involves the use of strainers in the feed lines. The pre-treatment filter’s hole diameter is typically 10% less than the nozzle diameter.
manual centrifuge cleaning
An automatic centrifuge has a “solid bowl,” which is another name for a solid retention bowl. It can be used in industrial separation operations where separating two liquid phases with little to no solids is the main goal.
Through the appropriate openings at the top of the centrifuge, the lighter and heavier liquids exit separately. Any solids that may have accumulated in the centrifuge bowl must be manually removed by stopping the machine and clearing the bowl’s sludge space. Operating water is not required because the simpler design lacks the hydraulic mechanism for sludge ejection.
Auto-cleaning centrifuge
While the sludge is periodically released through the nozzles, the lighter and heavier liquids exit the centrifuge separately through the top. The chamber bottom of a different kind of self-cleaning centrifuge is detachable. Both approaches are programmable, autonomous, time-controlled, and dependent on the nozzle’s discharge quality.
The feed enters through either the top or bottom inlet, depending on the design. The product is released through the outlet under pressure after it has been clarified on the conical plates. Sludge, or separated solids, build up in the conical area next to the nozzle. Once filled to the brim (without going over the plate area), a piston is adjusted to release the sludge by hydraulically opening each nozzle port. Water is typically used as the service fluid, controlling the nozzle with a piston. Water is injected to open the nozzle and drained to close it during sludging.
centrifuge with a hermetic seal
This kind of separator is a conical plate bowl or chamber type of closed (hermetic) centrifuge. This centrifuge can handle systems up to 8 bars of maximum pressure. The revolving bowl is connected to the feed and discharge inlets. There are integrated rotary feed and discharge pumps in the centrifuge head. It is very helpful for:
feed that is liquid and cannot have its pressure drop
feed that is liquid and cannot withstand impact at the inlet, where solid particles (like protein) need to be handled carefully.
feed that is liquid and readily oxidized
Gas-emitting or evaporating liquid feed (such as beers and cold wort)